'The Last of Us 2' release date, news, rumors: Game might not be out before 2021?

"The Last of Us 2" was not present at the E3 2016 event. However, it is said that the game is already in development, though it will not be seen until 2021 at the earliest.The Last of Us official website

While it is said that the game is already in development, "The Last of Us 2" is not bound to come out anytime soon.

According to Mobipicker, a previous interview has developer Naughty Dog confirming that development, or at least pre-production, has already begun for "The Last of Us 2." Reportedly, the game is already in development earlier this year, though not in full force. Naughty Dog still has another planned 2016 project "Uncharted 4."

With "Uncharted 4" already out, Naughty Dog has supposedly shifted focus on the upcoming sequel. However, full development is expected to start next year since the creative team has yet to complete the planned post-launch expansion content for "Uncharted 4."

Although development will be in full swing starting next year, fans will have to wait longer before "The Last of Us 2" comes out. Apparently, lead designer for "The Last of Us" Neil Druckmann went on record and said that fans have to expect "The Last of Us 2" in 2021 at the earliest.

While fans have to wait a long while, a 2021 release for "The Last of Us 2" is actually an advantage to players, particularly the hardcore fans of the franchise. This means that Naughty Dog can devote all of its resources in coming out with another epic masterpiece. The original "The Last of Us" has been hailed as one of the best games to come out for the PS3, and some industry followers believe that the title can even be named as one of the best survival horror games ever produced. The moving story and fluid gameplay are still talked about three years after release.

Meanwhile, with the release set for at least five years from now, fans expect another riveting story in "The Last of Us 2." Speculations suggest that the sequel will continue and will be seen from Ellie's point of view, and this time, she will be the one searching directly for the viral cure.